Episode 42: Tables and Terrain in 40K

In this episode, we discuss tables and terrain in 40k. This can make or break a game of 40k. When you attend events the most important thing players talk about is the terrain. Most tables don’t have enough. If you want to play a balanced and competitive game of 40k, you need to have the right terrain.

Introduction

40k uses true line of sight, which means that terrain is not abstracted, it’s what is literally on the table. So you need terrain to make the game play the way it should.

The ideal table also looks good, so it feels like you are playing a game of 40k. Terrain is what sets it apart from other popular tabletop games.

Types of terrain

Line of sight (or LOS) blockers: The most important piece of terrain. Should be tall enough and wide enough for a vehicle to hide behind like a rhino or two, and to provide cover for something like a knight.

Ruins and buildings: 2-3 levels of ruins to allow units to hide in for cover. Usually good to have the bottom level blocked for LOS blocking for infantry units.

Fortifications: usually special rules that come with GW models. Can use them as buildings or just LOS blockers.

Area terrain: Craters, hills, and forests, wreckage, provides cover for infantry units when in them.

Barricades or barriers: typically used to restrict or slow down movement.

Battleboards: 3d plastic, lots of great detail, but dice do not roll as well, models don’t sit as well.

Terrain

Make your own

Sheets of rigid insulation ½ to 2 inches. Glue with white glue, cut with a knife to make hills. Use sand, rocks static grass. You cannot spray paint it without melting it, have to use Latex spray paint. Craft paints to paint it colors. See tutorial here.

Foam Boards from office supply stores, can cut to shape for walls and other structures.

Miscellaneous supplies: anything that sits around the house that can be spray painted and useful.